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New book list!
1460 – 1530
Renaissance Italy was a hub of artistic, architectural, and scientific breakthroughs. During this period, brilliant figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo transformed art and science with their revolutionary ideas and masterpieces. The era saw the creation of iconic works such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling and innovations in perspective and anatomy. Renaissance Italy was a time of incredible cultural flourishing that soon spread throughout Europe.
Picture books
Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci
Introduction to da Vinci’s engineering designs and the modern inventions they anticipated
Stone Giant: Michelangelo’s David and How He Came to Be
Engaging story of Michelangelo’s creation of David
Leonardo: Beautiful Dreamer
Lavishly illustrated introduction to the scope of Leonardo’s thoughts and work
Michelangelo's Surprise
Well-illustrated story about building a snowman in the Renaissance Medici court
A Boy Named Giotto
Gorgeous introduction to a pre-Renaissance artist from Florence whose work paved the way for the Renaissance
Leonardo's Horse
Engaging biography of Leonardo through the lens of one of his unfinished projects and a modern artist's completion of it
Chapter books
The Second Mrs. Gioconda
Novel about da Vinci’s creation of the Mona Lisa, for middle-grade readers
I, Juan de Pareja: The Story of a Great Painter and the Slave He Helped Become a Great Artist
Award-winning novel about a real enslaved-man-turned-painter
Non-fiction books
What Life Was Like at the Rebirth of Genius: Renaissance Italy, AD 1400-1550
Overview for older readers of Renaissance life, politics, and culture
If You Were Me and Lived in… Renaissance Italy
Accessible introduction to daily life and culture in Renaissance Italy for young readers
Renaissance and Reformation Reference Library: Primary Sources
Collection of primary sources from the Renaissance and Reformation, with context and explanations
Where Is the Vatican?
Introduction to the history of the Vatican, including its role in Renaissance Italy
The Medicis: A Ruling Dynasty
Introduction to the Medici family and their roles in Renaissance Florence
Biographies
Lorenzo De Medici and the Renaissance
Exploration of Lorenzo de’ Medici and his role in Renaissance Italy, for older readers
Activities
Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself
Build-it-yourself projects inspired by da Vinci inventions
Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities
Biography of Michelangelo with 21 coordinating activities
Find Tom in Time: Michelangelo’s Italy
Like Where’s Waldo, but find Tom in Renaissance Italy scenes
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